Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup is finally here, featuring the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. But for Nigerians, getting one is never straightforward. This is why it’s important to understand how to buy and ship iPhone 17 to Nigeria.
With no official Apple Store in the country, buyers from Nigeria must either order from abroad or purchase from local vendors. This guide helps you decide the most practical way to get the iPhone 17 in Nigeria.
iPhone 17 Prices Abroad
Apple’s official starting prices provide the baseline for calculating import costs:
- iPhone 17 (256GB): $799
- iPhone Air: $999
- iPhone 17 Pro: $1,099
- iPhone 17 Pro Max: $1,199
These figures are what you’ll see on Apple’s website or in US and UK retail stores. However, they do not reflect the true final cost of owning one in Nigeria. Shipping fees, customs charges, and exchange rate volatility all pile on top.
Buying the iPhone 17 from International Stores
If you’re in Nigeria, you cannot order directly from Apple’s US store or most international retailers like B&H Photo. These stores typically do not ship directly to African countries. Instead, buyers must rely on third-party reshipping services.
Reshippers such as comGateway and ColisExpat provide a US or European delivery address. You ship your iPhone there, and they forward it to Nigeria. Some offer package consolidation, reducing shipping weight and saving as much as 80%. But these services are not free.
For instance, comGateway’s “BuyForMe” option adds a 10% fee if a retailer rejects your Nigerian payment card.
So while reshippers make international purchases possible, they add yet another layer of cost and complexity.
Shipping Carriers and Extra Costs
Once your iPhone is ready to ship, international couriers like DHL, FedEx, or UPS handle the delivery. These companies are reliable, but they charge heavily for high-value electronics.
Here’s what to factor in:
- Shipping calculators are estimates only. The final bill depends on package weight, dimensions, and currency rates.
- Nigerian customs adds tariffs, VAT, and levies at the point of entry.
- Lithium-ion batteries trigger additional handling fees and often require insurance.
- Clearance delays can lead to extra storage charges at airports.
If you choose this route, always budget more than the estimate to cover hidden costs.
Buying the iPhone 17 in Nigeria
Local online stores like Jumia may not list the iPhone 17 immediately. Instead, stock usually arrives through parallel importers or Apple-authorised resellers weeks after launch. Prices are consistently higher than abroad, but they save you the stress of shipping and customs.
For perspective:
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max sells around ₦2.5 million in Nigeria.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max rose as high as ₦3.7 million at launch.
Following this trend, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will likely enter the Nigerian market at an even higher figure, potentially exceeding ₦4 million depending on exchange rates.
Import Duties, Taxes, and Final Costs
If you ship an iPhone 17 to Nigeria, you will pay more than the US retail price. Customs typically applies multiple charges, including:
- 5% tariff on electronics
- 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT)
- 0.5% ECOWAS levy
- 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS)
- 0.5% ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) levy
Customs officers may also assign their own valuation of the phone, which can significantly increase the duty you pay.
Legal and Currency Challenges
The Nigerian import process is not straightforward. Clearing goods through customs requires documentation such as:
- Form M
- Proforma invoice
- Airway bill
For most individuals, the only practical option is to hire a licensed clearing agent to manage the process.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Buy and Ship iPhone 17 to Nigeria
Can I order the iPhone 17 directly from Apple in Nigeria?
No. Apple does not ship directly to Nigeria. You must use reshipping services or buy from local vendors and resellers.
How much will the iPhone 17 cost in Nigeria?
Exact prices are not confirmed yet, but based on past trends, the iPhone 17 Pro Max could exceed ₦4 million at launch, depending on exchange rates and vendor markups.
What taxes and duties apply when shipping the iPhone 17 to Nigeria?
You will pay a 5% tariff, 7.5% VAT, 0.5% ECOWAS levy, 1% CISS fee, and 0.5% ETLS levy. Customs may also assign their own valuation, increasing costs further.
Can I pay for the iPhone 17 abroad with a Nigerian bank card?
Most international stores reject Nigerian cards. You’ll need a reshipper’s “BuyForMe” service or access to a dollar card, which adds extra fees.
Which option is safer: importing or buying locally?
Buying locally is safer and faster, though more expensive. Importing can save some money but comes with risks of delays, extra charges, and complicated paperwork. This is why it’s important to understand how to buy and ship iPhone 17 to Nigeria.
